Waskesiu Golf Course

Why Saskatchewan's Most Remote Course Is Worth the Journey

Waskesiu Golf Course is a 1935 Stanley Thompson design known as The Lobstick Course, named for the iconic tassle-top lobstick tree in the 1st fairway—once used as a navigational marker by fur traders and early settlers. This championship course sits within Prince Albert National Park's pristine wilderness.

Stanley Thompson came to Waskesiu in 1928 to design a golf course for the newly established Prince Albert National Park. The Great Depression delayed construction until 1934, when work began on this ambitious northern Saskatchewan project.

The Secret Behind Waskesiu's Championship Design Legacy

Thompson's routing maximizes the undulating forest terrain, creating isolated holes that showcase pristine wilderness. The course is a proud member of the Stanley Thompson Society, reflecting its significance within Thompson's portfolio of Canadian championship designs.

The championship layout features a par 70 design. Thompson's design philosophy emphasized working with natural terrain, creating undulating fairways where flat lies become premium commodities.

Meet "The Lobstick" - A Living Piece of Saskatchewan History

The course's signature feature extends beyond golf strategy into regional heritage. The iconic lobstick tree still stands guard over the opening hole, connecting modern golfers to Saskatchewan's frontier past.

Local rules recognize this historical significance—any tee shot striking the Lobstick tree in flight may be replayed without penalty. This unique rule transforms potential frustration into celebration of the course's living landmark.

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How Thompson Conquered Saskatchewan's Forest Challenge

Thompson's routing creates strategic variety through elevation changes and forest corridors that demand precision over distance. The design features a balanced mix of par threes, fours, and fives that test different aspects of the game.

Notable holes include challenging par threes on the front nine and strategic par fours that reward accurate positioning. The course's natural bunkering and elevation changes create memorable risk-reward decisions throughout the round.

18 Distinct Holes That Tell Saskatchewan's Forest Story

Each hole presents unique character carved from the landscape. The routing weaves between mature stands of spruce, aspen, and birch, creating isolated playing corridors. Wildlife encounters become part of the round, with deer, elk, and various bird species regularly spotted.

Thompson's design reflects mastery of natural terrain utilization. Rather than extensive earth moving, he routed holes to showcase existing topography, creating memorable elevation changes that reward strategic thinking.

Beyond Golf: What Makes Waskesiu a Complete Destination

The Golf Clubhouse represents one of the more elaborate park examples of Tudor Rustic style, built in 1934-35. This heritage building provides full dining services with panoramic views of Waskesiu Lake.

The clubhouse features massive log walls, stone fireplace, half-timbered gables, and leaded glass windows. Prince Albert National Park surrounds the course with hiking trails, canoeing opportunities, and wildlife viewing experiences.

Your Perfect Northern Saskatchewan Golf Basecamp

Waskesiu Lake offers accommodation options from rustic cabins to modern resort facilities. The townsite provides essential services including dining, shopping, and recreational equipment rentals. Nearby Elk Ridge Resort offers luxury accommodations with championship golf packages.

Summer brings hiking, fishing, and water sports, while fall offers spectacular foliage viewing throughout the forest.

What to Do When You're Not Playing Golf

Prince Albert National Park features over 100 kilometers of hiking trails, from easy lakeside walks to challenging wilderness routes. The park's pristine lakes offer excellent fishing for northern pike, walleye, and lake trout.

Waskesiu Lake's sandy beaches provide swimming opportunities during summer months. The townsite's marina offers boat rentals and guided fishing expeditions.

The Smart Way to Plan Your Waskesiu Adventure

Peak season runs from late May through early September, with July and August offering the most consistent weather. Early season visits feature fewer crowds and competitive pricing, while late season provides spectacular fall colors.

Golf packages combining multiple rounds with accommodation create excellent value for extended stays.

Getting There: Turn the Journey Into Part of the Experience ✈️

Transwest Air offers direct flights to Prince Albert from Saskatoon, operating Monday through Friday. For most visitors, Saskatoon's John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE) provides the primary gateway, located approximately 200 kilometers south of Waskesiu.

Major Canadian carriers service Saskatoon with connections to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Toronto. Regina's airport offers an alternative entry point roughly 300 kilometers southeast.

The scenic drive from Saskatoon traverses Saskatchewan's transition from prairie to parkland to forest, creating anticipation for the wilderness golf experience ahead.

When to Visit: Timing Your National Park Golf Experience

The golf season runs from mid-May through late September. Peak conditions occur during July and August, when daylight extends past 9 PM and temperatures reach comfortable summer levels.

Early season visits in May and June offer excellent value with fewer crowds. Wildlife activity peaks during spring months. Late season play in September provides spectacular fall foliage as the forest transforms into brilliant yellows and oranges.

Weather patterns favor morning and early afternoon play. The northern location provides extended daylight hours, allowing for unhurried rounds and post-golf exploration.